Judges 1:13

KJV

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Othniel {H6274} the son {H1121} of Kenaz {H7073}, Caleb's {H3612} younger {H6996} brother {H251}, took {H3920} it: and he gave {H5414} him Achsah {H5915} his daughter {H1323} to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Otni'el the son of K'naz, Kalev's younger brother, captured it; so he gave him 'Akhsah his daughter as his wife.

Berean Standard Bible

So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

American Standard Version

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:13 succinctly narrates Othniel's successful capture of Kirjath-sepher, also known as Debir, in response to Caleb's challenge. This act of valor secured a strategic city for the tribe of Judah and fulfilled Caleb's vow to give his daughter, Achsah, in marriage to the conqueror. The verse highlights Othniel's decisive action, establishing his prominence and foreshadowing his future role as a deliverer and the first judge of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Book of Judges commences following the death of Joshua, detailing Israel's initial, yet often faltering, attempts to fully possess the Promised Land. The preceding verses in [Judges 1:1-11](/judges/1-11 "Judges 1:1-11 - Judah and Simeon's Initial Conquests") describe the tribe of Judah's and Simeon's campaigns, establishing a pattern of partial success and ongoing conflict with the Canaanite inhabitants. Specifically, [Judges 1:12](/judges/1-12 "Judges 1:12 - Caleb's Challenge for Kirjath-sepher") sets the immediate stage by introducing Caleb's challenge: whoever conquers the strategically important city of Kirjath-sepher (Debir) will be given his daughter Achsah in marriage. Judges 1:13 serves as the direct fulfillment of this challenge, showcasing Othniel's immediate and successful response, thereby transitioning the narrative from broader tribal conquests to a specific, personal act of valor that carries significant implications for the emerging leadership within Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy, where individual tribes were largely responsible for securing and settling their allotted territories. Military prowess was highly esteemed, as the Israelites were engaged in continuous conflict to dispossess the Canaanites and establish their dominion. The custom of offering a daughter in marriage as a reward for a significant military achievement was a recognized practice in the ancient Near East. This tradition served to incentivize bravery, solidify alliances between prominent families, and integrate capable individuals into positions of influence. Kirjath-sepher, later known as Debir, was a crucial strategic city located in the hill country of Judah, and its capture was vital for the tribe's control over its designated inheritance. This significant event is also recounted in a parallel passage in [Joshua 15:15-19](/joshua/15-15-19 "Joshua 15:15-19 - Caleb's Challenge and Achsah's Request"), underscoring its importance in the broader narrative of the land's distribution and the establishment of Israelite control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Judges and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It vividly illustrates the theme of **Incomplete Conquest**, highlighting how individual acts of courage, like Othniel's, were necessary to secure what the nation as a whole often failed to fully possess due to disobedience or lack of resolve. It powerfully emphasizes **Valor and Initiative**, demonstrating that individual courage and proactive engagement were essential for fulfilling God's command to inherit the land. The theme of **Faithfulness to Vows** is also central, as Caleb, a figure renowned for his unwavering faith and obedience (e.g., [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Wholehearted Following of the Lord")), honorably fulfills his public promise. Furthermore, the verse serves as the crucial **Introduction of a Future Leader**, presenting Othniel, who will later emerge as the first judge of Israel, divinely raised up to deliver His people from oppression, as detailed in [Judges 3:9-11](/judges/3-9-11 "Judges 3:9-11 - Othniel, the First Judge and Deliverer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Othniel (Hebrew, _‘Othnîyʼêl'_):** From the same root as "force" and "God," this name means "Force of God" or "God is my strength." This meaning is profoundly significant, foreshadowing Othniel's future role as a mighty warrior and the first judge of Israel, whose strength and success would come from divine empowerment, as explicitly stated in [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the Lord Came Upon Othniel"). His introduction here establishes his character as a man of valor and sets the stage for his divinely appointed leadership.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** This primitive root means "to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy." In this context, it precisely describes Othniel's decisive military action in conquering Kirjath-sepher. The term emphasizes the successful and complete seizure of the city, indicating a forceful and effective military engagement that achieved the desired outcome of control and possession.
* **brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** This primitive word denotes "a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other." While literally "brother," its broad usage allows for interpretation as a kinsman, nephew, or close relative. In the context of Caleb offering his daughter, it strongly suggests a direct sibling relationship or a very close familial tie, likely a nephew (son of Caleb's actual brother, Kenaz, if Kenaz is a person, not just a clan). This close relationship underscores the internal family dynamic and the trust Caleb placed in Othniel, making the reward culturally appropriate within the family structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it":** This clause precisely identifies the protagonist, Othniel, by his lineage and his close familial relationship to Caleb. The phrase "took it" refers to the successful capture of Kirjath-sepher (Debir), the strategic city that Caleb had challenged his kinsmen to conquer. This concise statement highlights Othniel's decisive action and military success in a significant engagement, demonstrating his courage, capability, and immediate response to the challenge.
* **"and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife":** This clause describes the immediate and honorable fulfillment of Caleb's vow. Caleb, a prominent and respected leader, demonstrates his integrity by giving his daughter Achsah to Othniel in marriage. This act serves as the promised reward for Othniel's valor, solidifying his position within Caleb's influential family and the tribe of Judah, and publicly affirming Caleb's trustworthiness and commitment to his word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its narrative impact. **Conciseness** is evident in the direct and unembellished reporting of Othniel's action and Caleb's response, reflecting the straightforward, factual narrative style characteristic of historical accounts within Judges. The phrase "Caleb's younger brother" functions as a form of **Genealogy** and **Kinship Identification**, immediately placing Othniel within a respected and influential family line. This familial connection is crucial for understanding his social standing, the dynamics within the tribe of Judah, and the legitimacy of his future leadership. Furthermore, the event itself serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Othniel's future, more prominent role as Israel's first deliverer and judge. His success here establishes his character as a capable, courageous, and implicitly divinely favored warrior, preparing the reader for his later, more significant contributions to the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:13 powerfully illustrates the intricate intersection of human initiative and divine purpose in the ongoing conquest of Canaan. While God had sovereignly promised the land to Israel, its full possession often required courageous and obedient human action, as vividly exemplified by Othniel. This verse underscores the critical importance of valor and faithfulness in fulfilling God's commands, particularly in a period where the broader community frequently struggled with obedience and commitment. Caleb's unwavering integrity in keeping his vow highlights the profound biblical emphasis on trustworthiness and honoring one's word, reflecting the very character of God's own faithfulness to His covenant promises. The strategic introduction of Othniel, a man characterized by action and integrity, foreshadows the desperate need for divinely appointed leaders during Israel's turbulent period of the Judges, a time when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")).
* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Wholehearted Following of the Lord")
* [Joshua 15:16-17](/joshua/15-16-17 "Joshua 15:16-17 - Parallel Account of Caleb's Challenge and Othniel's Victory")
* [Judges 3:9-10](/judges/3-9-10 "Judges 3:9-10 - Othniel as the First Judge and Deliverer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 1:13 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Othniel's willingness to step forward and undertake a challenging, dangerous task, even when others might have hesitated, speaks powerfully to the importance of individual courage and initiative in serving God's purposes. We are called to be active, engaged participants in God's kingdom work, not passive observers, trusting that He will empower us for the specific tasks He sets before us, no matter how daunting they may seem. Caleb's unwavering commitment to his promise reminds us of the critical value of integrity and trustworthiness in all our relationships and commitments, reflecting the character of a faithful God who always keeps His word. Just as Othniel was rewarded for his valor, we are assured that faithfulness in both small and large acts of obedience contributes to God's grand design and does not go unnoticed in His eyes. This passage encourages us to prayerfully identify the "cities" or challenges in our own lives that God calls us to "take" – whether they be personal struggles, community needs, spiritual battles, or opportunities for service – and to respond with courage, faith, and decisive action, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities" or significant challenges in your life or community is God calling you to "take" with courage and initiative, rather than waiting for others?**
* **How does Caleb's steadfast faithfulness in keeping his promise inspire you to cultivate greater integrity and trustworthiness in your own commitments and relationships?**
* **In what practical ways can you recognize, affirm, and encourage acts of courage and faithfulness in others around you, fostering a culture of godly initiative?**

### FAQ
**Who was Othniel, and why is his action significant?**

Answer: Othniel was the son of Kenaz and Caleb's kinsman, identified as his younger brother, though this term can also mean a close relative like a nephew. His action in successfully taking Kirjath-sepher (also known as Debir) was highly significant for several reasons: it directly fulfilled Caleb's public challenge, secured a vital strategic city for the tribe of Judah, and demonstrated his exceptional valor and military capability. More importantly, this event serves as his introduction as a capable and divinely favored leader, foreshadowing his later and more prominent role as the first judge of Israel, whom God raised up to deliver His people from oppression, as detailed in [Judges 3:9-11](/judges/3-9-11 "Judges 3:9-11 - Othniel's Deliverance of Israel").

**What was the cultural purpose of Caleb offering his daughter as a reward?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, offering a daughter in marriage as a reward for military valor was a well-established cultural practice. It served multiple crucial purposes within the societal structure: it provided a powerful incentive for courageous acts necessary for conquest and securing territory, it solidified alliances and bonds between prominent families, and it served to integrate capable and brave individuals into influential lineages, thereby strengthening the tribe. For Caleb, it was a public declaration of his commitment to securing the strategic city of Kirjath-sepher for Judah and a demonstration of his integrity in fulfilling a public vow. This practice is also observed in other biblical accounts, such as King Saul's offer of his daughter to David for defeating Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:25](/1_samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Offer of His Daughter to David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 1:13 describes a physical conquest and a human reward, it subtly points to the greater spiritual conquest and divine reward found supremely in Christ. Othniel's valor in taking a strategic city foreshadows the ultimate, decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ, who, as the true Lion of the tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), conquered sin, death, and the devil through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Just as Othniel secured a tangible inheritance for the tribe of Judah, Christ secured an eternal, spiritual inheritance for all who believe in Him, an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Caleb's faithfulness in fulfilling his promise to Othniel reflects the perfect, unwavering faithfulness of God the Father, who promised a Redeemer from the lineage of David and perfectly fulfilled that promise in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our "reward" in Christ is not a physical land or a human spouse, but rather spiritual union with Christ Himself, becoming part of His glorious bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")), and inheriting eternal life and all the blessings of salvation through His decisive and complete victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 3:9

And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.